GAZA CITY, Feb 22: Fatah tentatively accepted on Wednesday an offer from Hamas to become the junior partner in a coalition government after its crushing defeat in last month’s Palestinian election.

The head of Fatah’s bloc in parliament told reporters after talks with Hamas leaders that the faction had agreed in principle to join the cabinet, although the two sides still needed to reach an accord on a common programme.

“There is an agreement in principle and the intention is there (to participate in a coalition) but we must await the programme,” Azzam Al Ahmed said.

“If we reach agreement, we will participate. If not, then we will be a constructive opposition.”

Mahmud Al Zahar, who led the Hamas delegation at the talks in Gaza City, also said that “all the parties, including our brothers in Fatah, intend to participate in the government. “We have agreed to continue our discussions,” he added.— AFP